According to a survey, Indians (98%) find online shopping as the top reason to access internet; closely followed by social networking (96%). The survey found that 70% Indian consumers prefer online shopping with cards over cash on delivery; quick and safe refunds being the key reason for their preference. Almost all responding youngsters claimed to have shopped online in the past year, the survey titled ‘Understanding Online Consumers’ by American Express and Nielsen stated.
The survey states that the average online monthly spend of Indians is Rs 9,400; in metros the average spend is Rs 10,900 while in tier-I cities it is Rs 8,000. The spending is expected to increase across cities to an overall ticket size of Rs 16,000. According to the survey, Indian women have taken the lead in online transactions, leaving behind men across the country, as 74% female respondents used plastic money for their online transactions. Women are using credit and debit cards to shop on their mobiles (98%) and book flights online (56%). Penetration of mobile apps is also found to be higher among women (98%) as compared with men (81%).
The survey also states that men’s clothing (57%) and footwear (53%) are the most frequently purchased products online with North India more inclined towards buying men’s clothing/ footwear/ accessories in the next 12 months. Additionally, 51% of metro users intend to purchase mobile/ tablets online in comparison to 37% of tier-I users.
The survey revealed a growing affinity towards online payment of utility bills. Three out of four people pay their utility bills online. Youth in the age group of 18-30 years, targeted by online recharge and utility bill payment platforms show higher adoption rates (81%) for online utility bill payments.
Published 12 April 2016, 18:52 IST